The minutes right after a car accident are a blur. What just happened? What am I supposed to do now?
Well, first, take a deep breath then:
1. Move to a safe location
If you are able to move your vehicle, get to a safe location off the road and put your hazard lights on.
2. Check on everybody involved
Are you okay? Any pain when you move? What about the other vehicle(s)? It's important to check to see if anybody needs immediate help.
3. Call 911
The dispatcher will ask where you are and if anybody is hurt. Give them the best description of your location. Landmarks such as nearby gas stations or mile markers are helpful. This is important to do even for minor collisions. If the police are able to come to the scene, they will file a report of your car accident. This will help your insurance claim process.
4. Exchange insurance information with anyone involved
Whether law enforcement is able to come to the scene or not, documentation is crucial. Make sure you record important details, like:
Driver's contact information (name, phone number, and address)
License plate numbers
Driver's license numbers
Car insurance information (name of insurer, address and phone number)
Additionally, if you or someone else in your vehicle can safely take photos of the accident scene and involved vehicles it can help with documentation. Lastly, try to limit your conversations with involved parties. An auto accident is likely to lead to a liability dispute and the accident scene is not the appropriate forum for those discussions.
5. Call your insurance agent
After the police arrive, call us here at Kalmbaugh Insurance. If the accident happens outside of normal business hours, we do offer 24-hour service.
WE'LL TAKE IT FROM HERE
After you call us, one of the first things that will happen is a claim number will be assigned. Soon after that, a claim representative will be assigned to your claim. The claim representative assigned to your claim will guide you through the process of getting an estimate for your vehicle. The method of inspection will be determined by the severity of the damages to your vehicle.
Whether your car needs a minor repair or is a total loss, the claim representative's job is to answer any questions and help get you back on the road.
Depending upon your state of residence, some insurance companies may require you to choose from a list of preselected body shops for repairs. Once you choose where you want your repairs done, we will then work with them to come to an agreed price.
GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL AGAIN
Your auto policy may include a rental car reimbursement. Your claim representative will work with you and the rental agency to bill directly, subject to your policy limits. Your policy will keep you in the rental for a reasonable time to conduct the repairs or until any total loss offer.
*Products referenced may not be approved/available in all states. Limitations and conditions may apply. Premium will be based on benefits chosen and policy rates available at the time of application.
Disclaimer: This article is not expert advice. The analysis of coverage is in general terms and is superseded in all respects by the Insuring Agreements, Endorsements, Exclusions, Terms and Conditions of the Policy. Some of the coverage mentioned in this material may not be applicable in all states or may have to be modified to conform to applicable state law. Some coverages may have been eliminated or modified since the publishing of this material. Discounts may not be available in all states. Limitations and conditions may apply. Premiums will be based on benefits chosen.
Copyright Auto-Owners Insurance Company (c) 2020. All Rights Reserved.